Because she had begun this journey in search of one. The Sol Medallion. The only thing that could save North Star from the Shadow Demon.
“But I need it.”
He shrugged. “And you need him. You must decide which you want more.”
Dyna trembled with indecision and anguish. Arguing with the Druid would only delay more time, and she could feel Cassiel slipping.
“Fine, the treasure is yours!” she blurted, “but only after I have saved my village.”
Leoake’s quiet chuckle floated to her. “Agreed.”
He reached out his hand, and Dyna took it before she could change her mind. She winced as a new geas marked her once more. It took the shape of a brown leaf on the inside of her wrist.
Not an oak leaf, but of sage.
A twin symbol marked Leoake in the same spot.
She ignored the shaking in her chest and turned back to her mate. Out of sight of Leoake, she slipped the key pieces back into her pocket. “Take us there.”
Dyna carefully lifted Cassiel’s body into the air and wrapped him in a swath of her green Essence, layering it with a shield. Climbing out of the hole, she quickly made her way through the cavern with him and the Druid.
Zev waited for her by the opening at the top with Keena. He helped her climb outside. Leif and the surviving soldiers of Greenwood had Altham and any red elves that remained kneeling in the sand. Von waited for her on the other end of the chasm with Elon. But Klyde held Lucenna’s limp body in his arms. Her limbs were broken, and blood leaked from her mouth. Raiden sat beside Rawn’s unmoving body.
Dyna gasped, “No…”
“They are all right,” Zev murmured.
“Quickly now,” Eldred called out. He had built a bridge of floating stones over the chasm for them.
Dyna and Zev ran across it, Cassiel pulled closely along in her Essence.
Leoake strolled over the bridge without a care to hurry. Once he was on solid ground, the stones crumbled away. Everyone stared at the Druid as he walked past them and the scattered bodies to the charred stumps where the Elder Tree used to be.
“It’s gone,” Dyna said, devastated. She would never be able to keep Cassiel alive long enough to reach the falls in time. Maybe if they flew on a Pegasus! She looked to the sky, but Leoake crouched down and placed his hands on the stumps.
“The roots are still there, clever mortal. All they need istime.”
His eyes glowed and gold light spiraled into the air from his hands and sank into the stumps. The tree began to grow.
Fae that hold great power…
The elves exclaimed in awe as the trunk rose up and curved to form a new Elder Tree. The center glowed with light. Not white, but gold.
“Come,” she told the others. “Hurry!”
Leoake shook his head. “Our agreement is only for you and your mate, Dyna.”
“But I can’t leave them here.”
“Go on. We have enough Tanzanite to make it to Avandia,” King Leif said as Princess Garaea came forward with a handful of blue gems in her hands.
“Why are you helping them?” Altham shouted at her, enraged. Handuril held him back. “You traitor!”
His daughter flinched, but she wouldn’t look at him.
At that moment, Yelrakel flew down and landed in a crouch. “My Queen, Gadriel’s forces have retreated…” Her wide eyes fixed on Cassiel, and she yanked off her helmet. “Sire!”
“I am taking him to Melodyam Falls,” Dyna told her. “I will save him, General. I leave my friends in your care. Please escort them home.”
